Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for visiting STSCO'S Frequently Asked Questions page. To view the answers for each question, simply click on the question. To hide or minimize the answer, click the question again.

1. How do I find out about busing arrangements for my
children?

At any time, you may go to PARENT LOGIN
or contact the secretary at your school. If they are unable to help you they will direct you
to the appropriate STSCO personnel.

2. I am unhappy with my stop location and want it changed. I
feel it may be unsafe for my child. How do I
change the stop location?

We are governed by eligibility policies of your Board. For KPR policies, please click here. For PVNC policies, please click here. These
policies provide transportation eligibility distances. It is
the responsibility of the parent/guardian to get the student to
and from the stop, both in the morning and the afternoon.
Concerns can be registered with STSCO staff, but it is indeed a
parental responsibility to get children to the stops.

3. Do all JK students receive bus stops at their door?

JK students are governed by the same eligibility policy as
all other students. STSCO will try to use centralized stops
which are normally placed at road intersections.

4. Does the STSCO office close at the end of June like a
school?

The STSCO office is open year round. The summer months are
ideal planning months as regular schools are closed. We
encourage parents to contact us during the summer months rather
than the very busy, first few weeks of school.

5. If I have infants at home, can I change my bus stop to my
door, so I do not have to bundle up my children?

Your
children's transportation is governed by the same policies as
other families who do not have infants at home. It is the
responsibility of the parent/guardian to get students to and
from the stop, both in the morning and the afternoon.

6. If my spouse and I are separated, is it possible for my
child to ride from both my house and then my ex-spouse's house
on different days?

This depends where you both live and the legal status of your
separation. If both parents live within the school's attendance
boundary and you have a custody agreement, which states the
frequency of the living arrangements, you may be eligible for
dual transportation. Each request is unique and will be evaluated individually.

7. Should I have concerns with mixing elementary and secondary
students on the same bus?

Combined elementary and secondary busing is in place in
many areas across your Board's jurisdiction. These arrangements
work well and bus behaviour is monitored cooperatively by the
bus driver and school administration. If there are any issues
associated with discipline, language or seating assignments,
they will be addressed by the Principals of the schools
affected.

8. Why are there no seat belts on school buses?

MTO continuously monitors developments in the industry and works with our road safety and industry partners to assess additional safety features on school buses. Due to the unique design of school bus seating, Transport Canada does not require seat belts to be installed on school buses at this time, other than for the driver.

School buses are designed to protect passengers through compartmentalization. High-back seats with energy-absorbing seat backs and padding are closely spaced together to contain passengers in the seating position.

Transport Canada is responsible for setting safety standards for equipment, including seat belts, on new vehicles and would be responsible for making any possible changes in those standards.

9. What is the seating capacity on a school bus?

The maximum capacity of a standard school bus is 70 passengers. However,
STSCO recognizes the safety concerns and problems
associated with loading buses to maximum capacity. The general guidelines used are:

Grades K-6: 3 students to a seat

Grades 7-12: 2 students to a seat

Using these guidelines, typical bus maximum capacities will be:

Grades K-8: 60 students per standard bus

Grades K-12: 54 students per standard bus

Grades 9-12: 48 students per standard bus

10. What are the rules for Video Surveillance on buses?

In accordance with School Board Policy, from time to time throughout the year, it may be deemed necessary to use video surveillance on any given school bus to monitor activity and ensure provision of a safe environment for students. Only the Principal, school bus company officials and Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO) officials are permitted to view the video footage and the Principal is ultimately in charge of discipline and activity on the bus, in the same way as they oversee activity at their school. This notice is provided to you for your general information and will serve as formal notice should a system need to be placed on your child’s bus during the current school year. Any questions regarding the use of a bus video surveillance system or related School Board Policy can be directed to Joel Sloggett, Chief Administrative Officer at STSCO.